We provide vehicle extrication, and a wide variety of search and rescue operations. We also provide first aid stand bys for public events. Since 1950, the Greeneville Emergency Rescue Squad (GERS) has been offering Emergency Services in Motor Vehicle Accidents, Search and Rescue, Structural Collapse, Trench Collapse, Generator Services for Fire Departments, and Disaster Relief to Greene County. For the past 64 years, the Greeneville Emergency Rescue Squad has operated on the time and expertise of men and women residing in Greene County. These residents are strictly volunteer- meaning they receive no pay for their time and effort. It is because of their dedication to serving others and desire to see Greeneville thrive as a community of safety and security that they risk their lives. GERS is a non-profit organization, surviving on donation and fundraising. We give a heartfelt thanks to all of our members and donors who have provided time and or money to ensure the continuation of this Organization. Operations:
-Vehicle Extrication: "The process of removing a vehicle from around a person who has been involved in a motor vehicle accident, when conventional means of exit are impossible or inadvisable." GERS responds to accidents of all types, including but not limited to single and multiple vehicle, motorcycle, tractor, and tractor-trailer accidents.
-Search & Rescue: GERS works alongside the local police department to aid in the search and rescue or search and recovery of missing persons and animals. GERS responds to calls including, but not limited to, hiking areas such as the Appalachian Trail, waterfronts such as the Nolichucky River, and other residential and commercial areas.
-Collapse: “Involves the location, extrication, and initial medical stabilization of victims trapped in structural collapse due to natural disasters, mines and collapsed trenches. Structural collapse incidents can comprise unstable or collapsed structures in an unsafe position. Usually collapse incidents leave voids inside the debris that can result in numerous casualties trapped under large amounts of very heavy and often unstable debris”
-Generator Services: GERS responds to calls from local fire departments in need of mobile generators to battle fires throughout the night. A call may come in mid-afternoon for a house fire, and the battle may wage well into the evening where it is too dark for firemen and women to see equipment and hazards from the fire. Rescue Squad Members power light towers with portable generators that servicemen can continue their job surely and safely.
-Disaster Relief: The Greeneville Rescue Squad Building has been used on multiple occasions as a shelter for civilians escaping treacherous weather including snowstorms, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms. In recent years, many back roads during the winter season are often too icy to drive safely, even if the weather is clear. GERS provides beds for those in need of a place to stay until the roads are clear. We respond to all of Greene County.
